Coast Buckwheat

(Eriogonum latifolium)
 
Coast Buckwheat
Coast Buckwheat has leaves that can turn pink, orange and red.
Will Elder, NPS
 

Origin Of Genus Name: Eriogonum is Greek for "woolly knees."

Presidio Locations: Found throughout the Presidio, especially on coastal bluffs and dunes.

Range In State: Northern to central California coast. The Presidio is the type locality for this species.

Description: This native, perennial species has white or pinkish flowers that densely cluster to form a ball shaped flower head. The paddle-shaped leaves are greenish gray above and white underneath, and have densely matted hairs underneath them. This is also a nectar source for the Green Hairstreak Butterfly and other summer butterflies. Blooms May to September.

Native Californian Uses: The Ohlone, Maidu and Round Valley tribes used a decoction of root, stalk and leaves for coughs. Yuki and Round Valley women made a tea to relieve gynecological problems.

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Did You Know?

Refugees in line for supplies, 1906

In the three days following the 1906 earthquake, the Army's refugee camps at the Presidio issued 3,000 tents, 12,000 shelter halves, 13,000 ponchos, 58,000 pairs of shoes, and 24,000 regulation blue shirts.